Eyre looks to further family golf legacy

As the younger brother of two conference champion golfers, West Salem’s Brandon Eyre figured to be successful in high school.

But this successful, this quickly?

Eyre is just six tournaments into his high school career, and he already is a five-time winner, and the freshman is a favorite in the upcoming Greater Valley Conference district tournament.

“I would like to say it’s a surprise, but it’s not,” West Salem boys golf coach Mike Baker said. “We’ve been fortunate to have all three (Eyre brothers) come through West Salem. It’s a great golf family.”

The district tournament is set for Monday and Tuesday at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis.

Brandon Eyre’s brothers, Michiel and Andrew, each won conference titles while competing for West Salem — Michiel in 2015, and Andrew in 2017.

Brandon grew up competing against his older brothers on the golf course, usually at Illahe Hills Country Club.

“It was really fun. We’re all super competitive,” Brandon said. “We’d always go out and have competitions among ourselves. I feel like I’m pretty fortunate.”

When asked if they would make him fetch golf balls or carry their bags, he laughed and said: “Depends how I was acting.”

As a senior in 2015, Michiel Eyre placed eighth at the OSAA Class 6A state tournament. He is now a junior on the Santa Clara University men’s golf team.

Brandon Eyre, a freshman golfer, stands for a photo at West Salem High School on Thursday, April ...more

Brandon Eyre, a freshman golfer, stands for a photo at West Salem High School on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

ANNA REED / Statesman Journal

Last season as a senior, Andrew Eyre placed fourth at the state tournament. He has put competitive golf behind him, now studying as a freshman at Oregon State.

This year’s state tournament is set for May 14-15 at Emerald Valley Golf and Resort in Creswell.

Baker said he has been impressed with Brandon Eyre’s play, especially considering the weather conditions.

“He finished at 73 — one over par—in his first high school tournament. That was a fun tournament, and he ended up winning it,” Baker said. “In his six tournaments this year, he’s maybe five over par total, and it’s pretty incredible the numbers he’s put up in the conditions he’s played in, so we’re excited.”

Despite his early success, Brandon Eyre is not getting ahead of himself with his expectations for the season.

“I just want to do well at state, the best I can do,” said Brandon Eyre, who also plays football and basketball for the Titans. “As a team, we have a big goal of just bringing home a trophy from state.”

With three more years of high school golf after this, Brandon Eyre said he would like to win the ultimate prize, not only as an individual, but as a team.

“My ultimate goal, as a team, is win state one year,” he said. “And hopefully, maybe individually too. That would be pretty cool.”

Realistically, how high is the ceiling for Brandon Eyre’s high school career? Is a state championship possible?

“You hear about a young guy being out on a golf course a lot and being able to hit the ball far, but you never know what you’re going to get (until he’s here),” Baker said. “As much as a golf fanatic I am, I don’t know that there is a ceiling for him. He’s got the attributes — he works harder than anyone on our team, but he’s the best one. When you get the talent that he has, and the drive that he has, there is no ceiling.”